Container for an article

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to a container for an article and a process of use thereof. The article can include a body forming a pocket for receiving and displaying the article; and a coupler connected to the body. The coupler can be adapted to secure the container to a doorknob.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to containers, and more particularly, to containers forming a pocket for receiving an article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various accessories form pockets for receiving personal articles. Particularly, exemplary accessories for containing personal articles include purses, luggage, toiletry kits, and coin purses.

Sometimes, combining a container with a personal article enhances the purchasing value of a product. As an example, an accessory can reveal a pocket for receiving clothing such as socks. Generally, the accessory and personal article are marketed together.

It is desirable, however, to provide a container that not only contains the personal article, but provides other beneficial features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a container for an article. The container can include a body and a coupler. The body forms a pocket for receiving and displaying the article. The coupler is connected to the body and is adapted to the secure the container to a doorknob.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a process for reminding a person to bring a desired article to an event. The process can include attaching a container to a protrusion. The container may include a transparent member forming a pocket for displaying the desired article and a coupler for receiving at least a portion of the protrusion.

Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a container for an article. The container can include a body and a coupler. Generally, the body includes a headpiece and a transparent member forming a pocket for receiving the article. The headpiece can include first and second surfaces displaying indicia. Generally, the coupler is adapted to secure the container to a protrusion.

The present invention provides a container which can enclose an article, preferably a personal article. The personal article can include a pair of socks, a headband, a wristband, at least one key, currency, a bracelet, a watch, or a ring. The association of the container with a personal article provides a purchaser with a bonus item. Moreover, the container can be modified to present a pleasant appearance to decorate a doorknob or other surface, e.g., a wall. Moreover, the container can include a headpiece that contains indicia for communicating a message or for further decorating the container. In addition, the container includes a coupler which permits attaching the container to a surface or doorknob and can serve to remind an individual to bring a personal article to an event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container of the present invention coupled to a doorknob.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective, plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a container of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective, plan view of an exemplary container of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a back perspective, elevational view of an exemplary container of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective, elevational view of an exemplary container of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “coupled” means connecting or fastening at least two items directly or indirectly by use of a third component such as a mechanical fastener, e.g., a screw, a nail, a staple, or a rivet; an adhesive or a solder. The term “coupled” can also include items associated or formed integrally together either by chemical or mechanical means, by processes including stamping, molding, or welding. Furthermore, the term “coupled” can mean two items, directly or indirectly, joined, fastened, associated, connected, or formed integrally together. As used herein, the term “connected” has the same meaning as “coupled” defined above.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary container 100 of the present invention is depicted. Container 100 can include a body 120 and a coupler 200. The body 120 can include a headpiece 140, a member 160, a base 180 and a fastener 190.

The headpiece 140 can include a first surface 142 and a second surface 146. Surfaces 142 and 146 can include indicia. The indicia can be decorative, such as indicating events or activities, such as cheerleading or birthdays. The indicia can also provide a message to a viewer. Exemplary messages can include “out at practice”, “go away”, “occupied”, or “do not disturb”. The headpiece 140 and the base 180 can be made out of any suitable material, such as a non-woven web, cloth, wool, cotton, or a combination thereof.

A member 160 generally includes a first side 162, a second side 164, a first portion 166, and a second portion 168. The member 160 forms a pocket 170 for receiving an article 300. The first side 162 is coupled to the headpiece 140 and the second side 164 is coupled to the base 180 using any suitable means such as stitches, staples, rivots, or adhesives. The member 160 can be made out of any suitable material, preferably transparent plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. Alternatively, the member 160 can be tinted or semi-transparent. In another preferred embodiment, the member 160 can include portions that are opaque and others that are transparent or form openings so a viewer can see the article contained within the pocket 170.

A fastener 190 is coupled to at least the first portion 166 or the second portion 168, or alternatively, both the first and second portions 166 and 168. The fastener 190 can be a zipper 192 as depicted. Alternatively, the fastener 190 can be hook and loop connectors, interlocking profiles, or at least one snap or button. The pocket 170 can receive an article 300, preferably a personal article. The personal article can be at least one sock, preferably a pair of socks 302 as depicted. Alternatively, the personal article can be a headband, a wristband, keys, currency, a bracelet, a watch, or a ring. The pocket 170 can be sized to receive an article of any desired size.

The coupler 200 is coupled to the headpiece 140 using any suitable means such as stitches, staples, rivots or adhesives. Desirably, the coupler 200 is an arch shaped member 202 having opposing ends 210 and 212. Each end 210 and 212 can be independently connected to the headpiece 140. Alternatively, the coupler 200 can be a loop, a hook, a magnet, a releasable adhesive, or half of a hook and loop connector material corresponding to an opposing half mounted on a surface.

In one preferred embodiment, the coupler 200 can be positioned about a doorknob 414. Desirably, the coupler 200 is manufactured from an elastic material, which can include a non-woven web. This elasticity permits the expansion of the coupler 200 around the doorknob 414 for positioning on a door 400. Alternatively, the coupler 200 can be mounted on a protrusion 410 or at least a portion 412 of the protrusion 410, such as a bracket, a hook, an over-the-door hanger, or any surface suitable for mounting the container 100. Although the container 100 is depicted on a door 400 for accessing a room, it should be understood that the container 100 can be positioned on other surfaces, such as a wall or other doors, such as a closet door.

In use, the container 100 of the present invention permits a purchaser to not only obtain the value of the container 100, but any personal article 300 residing therein, such as socks 302. Moreover, the container 100 can be mounted on a surface to remind an individual to bring the personal article to an event. Particularly, in one exemplary use, the container 100 can be mounted on a door 400 and contain therein a pair of socks 302. If the socks 302 are part of an outfit for a given activity, such as cheerleading, the socks 302 can be placed in a visible location when exiting the room to remind an individual to wear the socks 302 with their outfit. Alternatively, the personal article 300 could be currency or keys, to remind an individual to take the personal article with them when they leave the room. In addition, the headpiece 140 of the container 100 contains indicia for communicating a message, such as “do not disturb” the occupant in the room, or have a decorative feature for enhancing the decor of a surface, such as the door 400.

In addition, the headpiece 140 can take a variety of shapes, such as a crown 150 as depicted in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the headpiece 140 can resemble a variety of shapes, such as a circle, a square, a triangle, a rectangle, or other desired shapes, e.g., to correspond to a particular activity featured on the indicia of the surface 142 or 146.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

1. A container for an article, comprising: a body forming a pocket for receiving and displaying the article; and a coupler connected to the body wherein the coupler is adapted to secure the container to a doorknob.
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a headpiece, a member forming the pocket, and a base.
 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a fastener and the member comprises a first side coupled to the headpiece and a second side coupled to the base; and the member further comprises first and second portions, wherein at least one portion is coupled to the fastener adapted to secure the portions to enclose the pocket.
 4. A container according to claim 2, wherein the headpiece comprises first and second surfaces for receiving indicia.
 5. A container according to claim 2, wherein the member is transparent.
 6. A container according to claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises a non-woven fabric.
 7. A container according to claim 3, wherein the fastener is a zipper, hook and loop connectors, interlocking profiles, or at least one snap.
 8. A container according to claim 1, wherein the article is at least one sock, a headband, a wristband, at least one key, currency, a bracelet, a watch, or a ring.
 9. A process for reminding a person to bring a desired article to an event, comprising: attaching a container to a protrusion wherein the container comprises a transparent member forming a pocket for displaying the desired article and a coupler for receiving at least a portion of the protrusion.
 10. A process according to claim 9, wherein the protrusion is a doorknob.
 11. A process according to claim 9, wherein the container further comprises a headpiece having first and second surfaces with indicia for communicating a message.
 12. A container according to claim 1, wherein the coupler comprises an elastic material.
 13. A container for an article, comprising: a body wherein the body comprises a headpiece and a transparent member forming a pocket for receiving the article wherein the headpiece comprises first and second surfaces with indicia; and a coupler connected to the body wherein the coupler is adapted to secure the container to a protrusion.
 14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the protrusion is a doorknob, a bracket, a hook, or an over-the-door hanger.
 15. A container according to claim 2, wherein the coupler is an arch-shaped member comprising opposing ends each coupled to the headpiece.
 16. A system for displaying a container, comprising: a container for an article, wherein the container comprises: a body wherein the body comprises a headpiece and a transparent member forming a pocket for receiving the article wherein the headpiece comprises first and second surfaces with indicia; a coupler connected to the body; and a door having a door knob, wherein the coupler is adapted to secure the container to the door knob. 